off key

/ˈɔfˌki/
adverb
  1. In a way that is not in tune musically.
    • The guitar was tuned off-key, so the chords sounded wrong.
    • The trumpet played off-key throughout the song.
    • She sang off-key, but the audience still clapped.
adjective
  1. Not in tune; sounding the wrong pitch in music.
    • The choir sounded off-key because they hadn't practiced enough.
    • He played a few off-key notes on the piano.
    • The singer's voice was off-key during the chorus.
  2. Not appropriate or suitable for the situation; out of place.
    • His joke was off-key at the serious meeting.
    • Her cheerful comment felt off-key given the sad news.
    • The bright decorations seemed off-key in the somber room.
Antonyms
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